The Jewish Firefighter

Forget about law school. Become a firefighter.

Since September 11, we've been reminded of the heroics of firefighters. This fall, as we've witnessed the devastation of the California wildfires, we have been reminded yet again of the firefighters' brave deeds.

If we are searching for a way to repair the world and live our day-to-day life with meaning, then what better way than to join the local firehouse. Isaac Bashevis Singer said when he accepted his Nobel Prize for Literature, "God speaks in deeds and his vocabulary is the universe." We too want to speak with our actions, but why in the universe would anyone run into a house on fire when everyone else was running out? As a Jewish firefighter in San Diego, the site of the some of the worst wildfires in California, Dana Ben Kaplan says, "That's your normal instinct: to run in and help." The firefighter from a small town in New Jersey and Miami, Florida has been a firefighter in the region about 18 years.

"It looked like the entire horizon was on fire. It was the biggest fire I'd ever seen."

Kaplan fought the Cedar Fire where searing flames threatened homes in Lakeside, Santee, and San Diego. "It looked like the entire horizon was on fire. Turning my head from right to left, I could see fires everywhere. It was the biggest fire I'd ever seen." Kaplan worked about 39 hours straight racing from one blaze to the next. "I was jumping out, grabbing hose. I was following an engine in a reserve ambulance, parking, jumping off, pulling line, fighting the fire. Then we'd throw the hose on the engine and take off again… It was very windy, but we protected every house we could."

However noble their actions and meaningful the life, is firefighting really a Jewish occupation? Ner Tamid, an organization of Jewish firefighters founded in 1925, saw peak membership during the Depression, but now its retired members outnumber its new ones. Granted, they're not as common as lawyers and accountants, especially in the west, but Jewish firefighters are thriving.

As a career choice, it's competitive to become a firefighter. Kaplan relates, "In the 1980s, when thousands applied to be on an eligibility list for a position in Los Angeles, they would hire about 100-300. It took about two to three years to pass all the tests and get hired. Today it helps to be a paramedic to get hired." He was attracted to firefighting for the same reasons many intelligent young people would be. The profession combined physical skills, dexterity, strength, coordination, camaraderie, thinking under pressure, and helping people. Kaplan adds, "About 80 percent of the calls today are medical aid calls. In southern California, paramedics are typically attached to fire departments." So for motivated Jewish high school students who are not applying to med school, perhaps this is the vocation your guidance counselor forgot to tell you about.

Most of the time, you won't even be extinguishing fires or helping on medical emergencies. You will be working with fellow firefighters, shopping for groceries, and cooking together at the station. Kaplan says, "Inside the fire station is another world. We're not just working there -- we're living there. In a regular office, you can be professional, but you're only working 9-5. At the firehouse, you have three or four guys showering in a four-stall shower, you're watching TV at midnight, working together 24 hour shifts, sometimes working together for 30 years."

Kaplan says the anti-Semitic jibes forced him to read books and educate himself about Judaism.

Like everywhere else, anti-Semitism lurks among firefighters. Guys including captains and chiefs have said things like "Jew 'em down." Other negative comments fly. Kaplan says these jibes and insults forced him to read books and educate himself about Judaism. On his first vacation after being hired as a fireman in San Diego, he chose to go to Israel. Over the years, he attended synagogue, read Jewish newspapers, dated Jewish women, and has returned to Israel repeatedly. Now, guys at Kaplan's firehouse respect that he doesn't eat pork.

Although Kaplan believes that as Jews we should try to make the world a better place, he doesn't think his calling to help others is any different than that of his non-Jewish fellow firefighters. "When I'm working on a scene, it doesn't matter whether it's with a Jewish victim or white supremacist. I treat everybody exactly the same." Treating everyone as equals, saving people and homes from fire, trying to make the world a better place. Sounds pretty Jewish to me.

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About the Author

Barbara Field has written and edited for CBS, Scripps, Harcourt Brace and the University of California, San Diego. She published in newspapers, magazines, and web sites. She is the author of the novel, The Deeper, The Bluer. Her mother, Jean Field, is still smiling.

Visitor Comments: 15

(15)
Elliott Bettman MD,
June 1, 2008 11:55 AM

Firefighter takes less time than med school

OK it is a bit less lucrative than what I am doing. But betweeen the organic chemistry the calculus the slavery on the hospital floors till you''re in your thirties, fire and police seems like an adventure!

(14)
Jeff Turkel,
October 1, 2007 10:57 PM

Jewish Firefighter

I remember my Lubavitvher Rabbi step-cousin asking me what I did for a living, I proudly told him I was an Assistant Fire Chief in the United States Air Force. His response was, "What you couldn't find a resposible desk job?" I soht back, that my grandfather Harry Sachs was a fireifghter in the city of Bayonne, New Jersey from 1930 - 1960 and if saving lives and fighting fire was good enough for him, it was good enough andhonorable for me. I served in the Air Force for 20 years, and recently served as a fire training advisor to the Iraqi government, and now spend my retirement years as a 911 dispatcher. So...for tohse who think Jews should only be doctors or lawyerss....Well I'll keep my mouth shut to them!!!!

(13)
Anonymous,
August 30, 2007 5:23 PM

Not a firefighter for the schedule....

Despite what mom says in the below comment, I didn't become a firefighter for the schedule... I became a firefighter because I always wanted to be one. Radically changing one's career merely for the time off would be a bit petty, don't you think?

(12)
Muriel Finkel,
August 18, 2007 3:03 PM

My daughter is a JEWISH firefighter/paramedic

Audrey received her degree in journalism and worked for CBS radio for a while as a producer for the morning drive in Chicago. After adopting three children and starting at 2 in the mornging she went back to school to become a firefighter/paramedic so she could be on 24 and be off 48 for the children......they are 10, 9 and almost 8 now and were babies when she got them.Muriel Finkel

(11)
David,
April 13, 2007 12:36 PM

Great!

I'm a Jewish lawyer, but almost (i'y'H) through my firefighter training; I won't be a professional, but look forward to serving as a volunteer. I would love to see more Jews out there doing this, and am proud to be seen at the firehouse in my yarmulkah.

(10)
Jessi,
February 10, 2007 2:15 AM

woman JEWISH firefighter making aliyah

thsi article means a lot to me....as a jew i'm am outnumbered in a lot of areas, but most certaintly in my fire department.

never once have i encounted anti-semitism from my guys by what i do experiance is the feeling of "deserting" my volunteer fd to make aliyah to the homeland.

i joined the fd to help as many people as i can...the money doesnt matter to me in the long run (if it did, why would i have joined? but it is a plus) but moving to israel, my HOME, is what's important to me. fire is fire is fire. no matter where it is.

i don't ask for understanding, i ask for support. if the fire departments are to survive it is because we support one another. not to put one another down for wanting to become paid and make this job 24-7.

i support all of you and please keep up the great work!

(9)
Reinaldo,
June 5, 2006 12:00 AM

Its nice to know other firefigther ...

hello, I am of valparaiso Chile and I am firemen of the Israel pump that also exists in our city and we are not Jewish but we took the name of Israel with honor and loyalty to the town of Israel

(8)
Jason A. Diamond,
May 11, 2006 12:00 AM

Firefighter/E.M.T St. Lucie County Fire District

Its nice to know there are other jewish firefighters out there. The truth is all firefighters out there are brothers but when you here of a fellow hebrew out there it makes me feel not so alone. I live in S. Florida with a large jewish population, however I work about 60 miles north of palm beach county with a minute jewish population.Besides making alyiah to Israel becoming a career firefighter is the best thing that I have ever done in my life.I love my job, I love the Torah, for I am a jewish firefighter. Thank You,
Jason A. Diamond

(7)
Robert Segal,
February 25, 2004 12:00 AM

Jewish Fire Company in Santiago, Chile

There are jewish firefighters outside the US, too. In Santiago, Chile, there is a Fire Company that was created by members of the jewish comunity. It is called "Bomba Israel" (bomba = pump in spanish), and this year we're celebrating our 50ies anniversary. Please visit our web page www.bombaisrael.cl(spanish, but with pictures). I'd be glad to send more info. In fact, I belong to Aish here in Santiago. And to the jewish fire company...

(6)
Fred Simon,
December 1, 2003 12:00 AM

Volunteer Firefighter/Attorney

Unfortunately, no one introduced me to the excitement and comradeship of firefighting until I had already spent 25 years practicing law. Despite the concerns of a typical Jewish family and close friends, my life literally has found new meaning in the fire service.

(5)
Jerry Eizen,
November 27, 2003 12:00 AM

Career Ortodox Firefighter/Paramedic

I was just read your article about the Jewish Firefighter in CA. Great job, as a career firefigher, 15 yrs so far, in Michigan and an Ortodox Jew, it is great to hear about other Jewish firefighters out there. I am also an associate member of Ner Tamid, and as just at the Memorial Service they held on Oct. 30th for their three members that died on 9-11-01. B'Shalom

(4)
Leonard Land,
November 17, 2003 12:00 AM

My son the Jewish firefighter

My son is about to graduate a fire academy in Northern California. He too will be looking for a job to save lives and property. To run into places that every living thing instinctually runs away from. I am very proud of him. He is a Jew and he too will be a firefighter. I call him my "hero in training." It is truly Tikkun Olam to do what he will do and so many others now do. Thanks for your article, it was inspiring. I will show it to my son after he graduates.

(3)
Michelle Sabag,
November 17, 2003 12:00 AM

The jewish firefighter

I was so happy to see that there are other jews out there firefighting. Moveover, I was happy to finally see an article on it. I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for writing about the jews in the feild of firefighting! I am proud to be a 22 year old FEMALE jewish firefigher from Miami, Florida. Thanks again!
Michelle

(2)
Robin,
November 17, 2003 12:00 AM

As a jewish woman dating a firefighter....

I know this article to be very true. Firefighters are a special breed no matter what the back ground. It is a noble professional that you will not gain riches as far as money, but what riches are to be found out weigh any amount of money! I was raised to look at the person inside........today Thank a Firefighter for all that they give, sometimes it is the very lives!

(1)
Risa Pearl,
November 17, 2003 12:00 AM

what an important job for jews

The events on 9-11 and in San Diego underscore what heros these firefighters are... and how important and ethical their deeds are. This is the essence of "mitzvah" personified!

I just got married and have an important question: Can we eat rice on Passover? My wife grew up eating it, and I did not. Is this just a matter of family tradition?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

The Torah instructs a Jew not to eat (or even possess) chametz all seven days of Passover (Exodus 13:3). "Chametz" is defined as any of the five grains (wheat, spelt, barley, oats, and rye) that came into contact with water for more than 18 minutes. Chametz is a serious Torah prohibition, and for that reason we take extra protective measures on Passover to prevent any mistakes.

Hence the category of food called "kitniyot" (sometimes referred to generically as "legumes"). This includes rice, corn, soy beans, string beans, peas, lentils, peanuts, mustard, sesame seeds and poppy seeds. Even though kitniyot cannot technically become chametz, Ashkenazi Jews do not eat them on Passover. Why?

Products of kitniyot often appear like chametz products. For example, it can be hard to distinguish between rice flour (kitniyot) and wheat flour (chametz). Also, chametz grains may become inadvertently mixed together with kitniyot. Therefore, to prevent confusion, all kitniyot were prohibited.

In Jewish law, there is one important distinction between chametz and kitniyot. During Passover, it is forbidden to even have chametz in one's possession (hence the custom of "selling chametz"). Whereas it is permitted to own kitniyot during Passover and even to use it - not for eating - but for things like baby powder which contains cornstarch. Similarly, someone who is sick is allowed to take medicine containing kitniyot.

What about derivatives of kitniyot - e.g. corn oil, peanut oil, etc? This is a difference of opinion. Many will use kitniyot-based oils on Passover, while others are strict and only use olive or walnut oil.

Finally, there is one product called "quinoa" (pronounced "ken-wah" or "kin-o-ah") that is permitted on Passover even for Ashkenazim. Although it resembles a grain, it is technically a grass, and was never included in the prohibition against kitniyot. It is prepared like rice and has a very high protein content. (It's excellent in "cholent" stew!) In the United States and elsewhere, mainstream kosher supervision agencies certify it "Kosher for Passover" -- look for the label.

Interestingly, the Sefardi Jewish community does not have a prohibition against kitniyot. This creates the strange situation, for example, where one family could be eating rice on Passover - when their neighbors will not. So am I going to guess here that you are Ashkenazi and your wife is Sefardi. Am I right?

Yahrtzeit of Rabbi Moses ben Nachman (1194-1270), known as Nachmanides, and by the acronym of his name, Ramban. Born in Spain, he was a physician by trade, but was best-known for authoring brilliant commentaries on the Bible, Talmud, and philosophy. In 1263, King James of Spain authorized a disputation (religious debate) between Nachmanides and a Jewish convert to Christianity, Pablo Christiani. Nachmanides reluctantly agreed to take part, only after being assured by the king that he would have full freedom of expression. Nachmanides won the debate, which earned the king's respect and a prize of 300 gold coins. But this incensed the Church: Nachmanides was charged with blasphemy and he was forced to flee Spain. So at age 72, Nachmanides moved to Jerusalem. He was struck by the desolation in the Holy City -- there were so few Jews that he could not even find a minyan to pray. Nachmanides immediately set about rebuilding the Jewish community. The Ramban Synagogue stands today in Jerusalem's Old City, a living testimony to his efforts.

It's easy to be intimidated by mean people. See through their mask. Underneath is an insecure and unhappy person. They are alienated from others because they are alienated from themselves.

Have compassion for them. Not pity, not condemning, not fear, but compassion. Feel for their suffering. Identify with their core humanity. You might be able to influence them for the good. You might not. Either way your compassion frees you from their destructiveness. And if you would like to help them change, compassion gives you a chance to succeed.

It is the nature of a person to be influenced by his fellows and comrades (Rambam, Hil. De'os 6:1).

We can never escape the influence of our environment. Our life-style impacts upon us and, as if by osmosis, penetrates our skin and becomes part of us.

Our environment today is thoroughly computerized. Computer intelligence is no longer a science-fiction fantasy, but an everyday occurrence. Some computers can even carry out complete interviews. The computer asks questions, receives answers, interprets these answers, and uses its newly acquired information to ask new questions.

Still, while computers may be able to think, they cannot feel. The uniqueness of human beings is therefore no longer in their intellect, but in their emotions.

We must be extremely careful not to allow ourselves to become human computers that are devoid of feelings. Our culture is in danger of losing this essential aspect of humanity, remaining only with intellect. Because we communicate so much with unfeeling computers, we are in danger of becoming disconnected from our own feelings and oblivious to the feelings of others.

As we check in at our jobs, and the computer on our desk greets us with, "Good morning, Mr. Smith. Today is Wednesday, and here is the agenda for today," let us remember that this machine may indeed be brilliant, but it cannot laugh or cry. It cannot be happy if we succeed, or sad if we fail.

Today I shall...

try to remain a human being in every way - by keeping in touch with my own feelings and being sensitive to the feelings of others.

With stories and insights,
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